Somehow, I can leave dishes in the sink (instead of loading the dishwasher that’s two feet away), and I’ll let random things pile up on the dining room table, but I am not someone that can shove a bunch of stuff behind closed doors and consider it “put away”. Yes, I DO that (I’m nowhere near perfect), but it bothers me and bothers me until I can go through and thoroughly clean and organize everything. So that’s what I did this weekend.
My closet is a freestanding wardrobe from IKEA. It’s nothing special from the outside, but everything fits inside. Clothes, shoes, hats, purses, jewelry… it’s all in there.
Here’s the overall layout:
I think I got rid of about half of my shoes when I cleaned everything out. I decided to only keep the shoes I really loved… the cute heels, the simple flats that go with everything. All the shoes I had been holding onto that hurt my feet or that I never wore just had to go. Now the shoes I have fit nicely in two drawers.
My boots go along the back, tucking behind my dresses.
And speaking of dresses, here they are:
My jewelry and perfume used to be over by the bathroom, but I thought it made more sense to keep everything together with my clothes.
Brandon was a bit shocked at how much I was getting rid of, but I feel so much better. My sister took some of it, and all the rest was donated to charity. And now I’m nicely organized.
Valentina
November 10, 2009 at 11:03 pmi see you love stella mccartney perfume also!!
Makeda
November 16, 2009 at 12:04 amAny ideas on how to organize headbands?
Closet Restructuring « littlepaperplanes
November 21, 2009 at 10:22 am[…] more clicking around I chanced upon Making it lovely. A real person doing real re-organization instead of something styled for a magazine :) Major […]
Ayelet
December 29, 2009 at 7:43 amStill in awe. What are the top boxses made from? are they at Ikea? I recognize the other stuff. love the shelf and decoration.
Campus Confidant » Blog Archive » Style: Closet freak-out…Organizing your small closet on a small budget
January 8, 2010 at 5:06 pm[…] Nicole Balch’s AH-MAY-ZING closet from her blog Making It Lovely: […]
college papers
January 10, 2010 at 11:55 pmi really commend your for a very inspiring article. i can only say “wow” after seeing your closet. i mean it is not easy to keep someone’s closet really nice and tidy. and i am in awe of you because of what you have achieved :)
Courtney
January 27, 2010 at 11:57 pmI love how organized this is! My bedroom is very similar in size, and looking through your slideshow we even have a similar built-in closet. I have an unresolved problem with storage and organizing our clothing. My question is where is that previous closet (in your “before” pictures) if you have this freestanding one? If you have enough space to have both, I am very jealous!
Kobe
March 9, 2010 at 11:23 pmHi,
I love your closet! so organised. Just wondering if you installed it yourself and what size drawers you used?
Thanks
Kobe
Jennifer
March 18, 2010 at 9:39 pmHi Nicole,
first, your closet is just… deeeelish :) Before pregnancy I too, wore NOTHING but dresses.. and could NOT understand why everyone was constantly harassing me about it! What gives?? The only reason I now wear mostly yoga/running/pajama pants is that it’s difficult to keep my bottom covered when down on all fours crawling around after our newborn ; ) At any rate, your style is divine, and I’m printing this out for inspiration. Hubby and I just turned a spare bedroom into a walk in closet, lining the walls with Pax units. Now we need to install all the drawers, shelves, etc..
In your photo, the gorgeous drawer with all your accessories has a wooden divider in it to keep all your goodies corralled – was this also from Ikea? I’m searching their site like a madwoman and not seeing anything.
Thank you for any help you can give!
Making it Lovely
March 19, 2010 at 8:41 pmYes, the divided drawer was part of the IKEA wardrobe system.
maybe-someday monday: wardrobe makeover « the great moka pot
March 22, 2010 at 1:14 pm[…] source […]
Aliya
April 25, 2010 at 11:14 pmI absolutely LOVE your closet! I am currently working on turning my extra bedroom into a walk-in and have been looking around for ideas. I have to say, I am going to steal some of yours :-) It is amazing; you did such a wonderful job. I can’t wait to see what else you do.
Making it Lovely | Transforming the so-so. » Blog Archive » Time to Revamp the Bedroom
May 4, 2010 at 7:51 pm[…] out the closet doors for a sliding paneled set, and added new crisp white trim. We even added a second freestanding closet to the room, and sprung for a new bed and […]
Reader’s Questions: Ikea Pax Wardrobes
June 22, 2010 at 10:01 am[…] addition to the images above, check out Nicole Balch’s original post for more shots on her blog MakingItLovely.com. And Lonny magazine’s current issue (issue 3 […]
Charlene
July 22, 2010 at 5:38 pmThis is EXACTLY what I want my closet to look like! I have the ikea wardrobe as well, but it looks nothing like yours. Perhaps its because I share it with my husband? I think it’s time to kick his clothes out and make it all mine so I too can have a pretty closet ;)
ashleyD
July 23, 2010 at 9:52 ami drooled on myself! hah!
Closets « My Friend Staci
August 3, 2010 at 11:13 am[…] My Organized Closet (Making it Lovely) […]
Stephanie
September 22, 2010 at 4:13 pmWow I’m totally jealous. How much would you charge for me to hire you as a closet consultant? I’m heading to Ikea this weekend and I’m totally buying the wardrobe.
essay paper writing
September 28, 2010 at 6:09 amIts so sweety! In my closet all the time some chaos!!! I need some person who will be organized my close!
Guest Blogger: {Chic Modern Vintage} «
December 28, 2010 at 12:14 am[…] and attempt to accomplish something that you didn’t last year. Blog | Twitter| Bloglovin 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | […]
christine holmes
January 23, 2011 at 4:20 amhello hello, i must say you have a beautiful closet! where do you shop? your clothes/shoes/everything look cute. :)
Melanie
February 25, 2011 at 1:12 pmHi Nicole, I have been loving your site now for about a year and have become especially in love with your closet, as well as your style posts. I happened to notice a dress that I have had around forever in your closet, it is blue Merona wrap dress with a kind of chain link pattern. I had kinda forgotten I had it. My question is how to you accessorize it? I am trying to get better at that, but feel I am falling a bit short.
tabitha
March 5, 2011 at 9:08 ammost amazing closet – ever! can i have all those shoes? :D
Joanne
March 15, 2011 at 3:43 pmLove how you organized your closet. It’s beautiful!! Perfection!
Found your blog through Anna of IHOD
Amber
March 16, 2011 at 8:16 amI am so envious of your organized closet. I want to be that organized, I just can’t seem to find the right things. Any places you recommend looking?
Ali
March 24, 2011 at 10:18 amLove your organization! Feel like a shopping in a fancy store! Love all your dresses! I’d like to start wearing more dresses as I loose weight! They make me feel girly and put together and so comfortable for the southern heat of summer!
~ Ali
Hello, January | hello, splendor
March 28, 2011 at 12:09 pm[…] Copyright © Beth Dotolo, Hello, Splendor 2010-2011. Please do not use anything without permission or without noting its origins on your blog or website. Hello, January Posted on Jan 20, 2011 | Filed in: by the someday girl, wear via Making it Lovely […]
Jane
April 5, 2011 at 11:37 amHello,
What size Pax Wardrobe did you purchase? I am about to purchase one for all of my clothes – uncertain what size to go with. I’d obviously opt for the biggest if I had the space but I don’t!
Jasmine
April 24, 2011 at 11:57 pmHi! Is there any way I can get the exact combination of this Pax wardrobe! I love it!. Is it 29 1/2″x 29 1/2″ x 19 5/8″?
rani
May 27, 2011 at 8:43 pmWOW! this is awesome! It reminds me of the wardrobes closets they have in India. Everything has it’s place for my mom’s sari’s, bangles, salwars, shoes, tunics…you name it…it’s there…and lockable too! Now if I can just do it for my closet here!
The Bedroom | These days
June 2, 2011 at 1:53 pm[…] the Pax wardrobe as an option after seeing how much Nicole from Making it Lovely fit into her’s. If you haven’t seen it, you should check it out. She shows the neatly organized inside of […]
Marryl
June 8, 2011 at 3:38 amI must say this is absolutely amazing. I’ve been wanting to do some decluttering and organize my closet. I admire how you got rid of some of your stuff. I know how that feels. Thanks for the inspiration!
Susan
July 24, 2011 at 7:53 pmLove the drawers. Where/who did you get them from? They’re exactly what I’m looking to install in my own closet makeover! Thanks for sharing your fab space!!
Well.........
February 8, 2012 at 1:15 pmThe whole thing is from IKEA – did you not even read it?
Eva
July 25, 2011 at 12:21 pmI absolutely love your closet! I came across your blog when I was looking for ideas to build mine. Can you let me know what kind of vertical dividers are the ones you got? They are the ones on the first picture where you have your handbags and jewelry. Something like that would be the answer to all my headaches!
Thanks a lot for sharing your awesome closet.
Ana
November 9, 2011 at 5:26 pmI love the way everything is organized.
I love folded clothes, but to see them hanging all neat like this is a treat ^_^ .
And it’s so nice to hear that not only that you feel better, but that something went to charity, too :) .
Megan
December 5, 2011 at 12:19 amI realize that this is an old post, but I’m trying to figure out where your free standing closet is in your bedroom? How big is your bedroom? I’m trying desperately to make our little room in our 1950’s home work. I wonder, did people just not have many belongings back then? I love everything that you do!
New Year’s Goals: 12 in ’12 | Delighting in Today
January 3, 2012 at 7:21 am[…] Buy staples that I need. Get rid of stuff I never wear. I’d love for it to look more like Nicole’s closet from Making it […]
Organization Inspiration: 10 Neat & Beautiful Closets | My Blog
January 28, 2012 at 4:31 am[…] built-in closet complement is good value it, generally when you’re brief on space. Nicole of Making It Lovely has one of my favorite closets: she used IKEA’s Pax system, sketched out a design to make […]
Marisu
February 2, 2012 at 3:28 amThis is so gorgeous and inspirational, thanks Nicole! Can’t wait to go through my own wardrobe, it will probably never look even slightly like yours’ but it’s worth a try.
DanisohDani
February 9, 2012 at 6:49 amYour closet its a dream!!! I’m in love with it so much!!
Its pitty I share a tiny room with my brother, but who knows when I get marry??? =D
Dulci DAntas
February 10, 2012 at 3:31 pmOh my… I love it! Nice ideas!
Patricia
February 24, 2012 at 5:44 pmthis is all so beautifully arranged and presented, i am a complete fan! I love your color scheme too!
Michelle
March 10, 2012 at 1:19 pmLove this! I added it to my organization linky on my Organization tab at the top of my blog. If you have any other organization posts that you think my readers would love, come link them!~
Michelle
http://www.heartfeltbalancehandmadelife.com/p/blogosphere-organization-posts.html
A peek in my drawers « Annabel Vita
April 9, 2012 at 9:09 am[…] to make. I like looking at other people’s drawers. I mean… have you seen Nicole Balch’s drawers? Gorgeous. There are plenty of such drawers to be seen online. I know the old adage is that the […]
Lauren
April 15, 2012 at 1:19 pmLove the closet!
Organization | Pearltrees
April 17, 2012 at 6:18 pm[…] My jewelry and perfume used to be over by the bathroom , but I thought it made more sense to keep everything together with my clothes. Brandon was a bit shocked at how much I was getting rid of, but I feel so much better. My Organized Closet | Making it Lovely […]
the domestic fringe
May 8, 2012 at 4:00 pmI have closet envy. And dress envy. ;-)
~FringGirl
Guarda-roupas impecável
May 17, 2012 at 2:48 pm[…] Veja mais fotos no blog Making it Lovely. […]
Guarda-roupas impecável » Mania de Organizar
July 11, 2012 at 2:33 pm[…] mais fotos no blog Making it Lovely. var addthis_config = {"data_track_addressbar":true}; Esse post foi publicado em quarto […]
Yasmin
July 24, 2012 at 2:32 pmSo simple and nicely done! When everything is organized like that, it makes it easier to keep clean. And it makes me happy :)
m!
August 19, 2012 at 1:04 pmDo you know if Ikea still makes that accessory drawer? I’ve been hunting all over for it and can’t find it.
Lise
July 20, 2013 at 6:05 pmI have the same question if anybody knows.
Making it Lovely
July 20, 2013 at 6:06 pmI don’t think they make it anymore, no.
Spring Cleaning Tips: Making Your Closet Functional & Beautiful | Simplified Bee
August 20, 2012 at 4:49 pm[…] *images courtesy of House Beautiful, Martha Stewart, Canadian House & Home, Making it Lovely […]
Annabel Vita » A peek in my drawers
October 20, 2012 at 4:02 pm[…] to make. I like looking at other people’s drawers. I mean… have you seen Nicole Balch’s drawers? Gorgeous. There are plenty of such drawers to be seen online. I know the old adage is that the […]
q + a: ikea pax wardrobes « T H E O R D E R O B S E S S E D
March 12, 2013 at 6:24 pm[…] addition to the images above, check out Nicole Balch’s original post for more shots on her blog MakingItLovely.com. And Lonny magazine’s current issue (issue 3 […]
Debbi
May 14, 2013 at 9:38 amYour closet does look awesome! I have a lot of boots and one thing I noticed is your boots are standing up straight on the shelf behind your dresses. Don’t you have a problem with them tipping over when you move the dresses around? I kept mine on the floor and they were always falling over and looked messy so I bought these clips http://www.onlyhangers.com/Prod-31-1-173-9/Satin_Chrome_Clip_Hanger.htm and hang them from one of the lower hang rods so the stay straight and neat without flopping over. Plus mine were actually getting crease marks where they folded over so hanging has worked better for me.
karen tolentino
May 23, 2013 at 10:27 amHey! I’m an OC person too! ;) Love your closet! So organized!!
Improvements Made to the House | Making it Lovely
May 29, 2013 at 2:03 am[…] a large freestanding closet to one bedroom (it will stay with the […]
SHOE STORAGE SOLUTIONS - Charleyworks.com
September 20, 2013 at 6:48 am[…] source sourcesourcesource […]
Starting on Our Bedroom | Making it Lovely
September 25, 2013 at 1:56 pm[…] bedroom. Brandon had the whole thing to himself, along with a tall, narrow dresser inside. We added a freestanding IKEA Pax wardrobe for my clothes, and I outfitted one half with shelves and drawers to serve as my dresser and storage for bags and […]
Ikea Closet Drawers | Desktop Decorating
November 6, 2017 at 4:24 pm[…] ikea closet drawers – Source […]
Ikea Closet Organization Ideas | Desktop Decorating
November 7, 2017 at 1:39 am[…] ikea closet organization ideas – Source […]
Patricia Burke
December 18, 2020 at 8:25 amHi! That looks great. Could you tell me the sizes of each pax frame? Thank you!
Patri
December 18, 2020 at 8:26 amHi! That looks great. Could you tell me the sizes of each pax frame? Thank you!
Making it Lovely
December 21, 2020 at 8:49 amSorry, I don’t live in that house anymore.